**Interview: The Rise of Cross-Border Tourism between China and Vietnam**
In recent days, the Sino-Vietnamese Vietnam-Detian (Ban Gioc) Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone has seen an influx of tourists. This area, which is the first cross-border tourism cooperation zone in China, allows both Chinese and Vietnamese visitors to enjoy a convenient “one-day, two-country” travel experience.
“The scenery here is stunning, and the landscape is picturesque. I came here with a few friends to immerse ourselves in the charm of the Sino-Vietnamese border,” said Chen Zhongxiu, a tourist from Guizhou, during an interview. He praised the ease of access to the cooperative zone, which offers an opportunity to explore foreign cultures and engage in various unique tourism projects—making this cross-border tourism model quite innovative.
The cooperation zone has been jointly developed by Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China and Cao Bang Province in Vietnam. Located on the upstream of the Guichun River, the Detian Waterfall in Daxin County, Guangxi, seamlessly connects with the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Vietnam, forming the largest transnational waterfall in Asia.
Currently, the Detian Waterfall is experiencing peak water flow, with a powerful three-tiered drop that creates a spectacular sight. The cooperation zone enhances the waterfall viewing experience by offering multiple perspectives through attractions like the “Sky Ring,” “Bamboo Rafting on the Border River,” and the “Coffee Moments at the Rice Paddy Viewpoint.”
Additionally, the cross-border street in the cooperation zone features fun traditional Zhuang games, hands-on workshops in Zhuang brocade making, and a range of culinary delights from both countries, creating a feast for the senses.
The cross-border waterfall serves as a bridge connecting the cultures and friendships of China and Vietnam. With a series of favorable policies in place, an increasing number of tourists are embarking on this reciprocal journey.
“This region, with its picturesque ‘landscape gallery’, social media-worthy landmarks, Vietnamese and Chinese culinary experiences, and themed cultural events, has made cross-border tourism incredibly popular,” shared Vietnamese tour guide Nong Thi Bai.
Since its soft launch on September 15, 2023, the cooperation zone has implemented several measures to streamline border crossing procedures, such as “no fingerprinting, no immigration registration cards, no exit stamps,” and “online pre-approval systems,” facilitating over 30,000 border control transactions for travelers.
Recently, with the official opening of the zone, relevant agencies are set to further optimize the tourism experience by improving cross-border travel regulations, including visitor numbers, travel duration, and documentation processes.
“With the official launch of the cooperation zone, cross-border tourism between China and Vietnam is entering a new phase,” Nong Thi Bai commented. She is optimistic about the prospects for the cross-border tourism market and looks forward to more attractions becoming accessible to Vietnamese tourists.
Mo De Ren, who transitioned to the tourism industry two years ago in Cao Bang Province, now frequently guides Vietnamese tourists visiting China. He believes that the surge in Sino-Vietnamese cross-border tourism not only boosts the tourism industries of both nations but also fosters deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.